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Olive whipsnake

olive whipsnake (Demansia olivacea)
North Kimberley, Western Australia
Photo © Henry Cook
Demansia olivacea - (Gray, 1842)
Pronunciation  dee-MAN-see-ah   OL-iv-AH-say-ah
Etymology  Demansia: after A. van Diemen.
olivacea: 'olive-coloured'.
Other names  Marble-headed whipsnake
Lycodon olivaceus
Elapocephalus ornaticeps
 
 
Total length
Species avg: 80 cm
Reproduction
Oviparous
Clutch size
Average: 4
Range: 3 - 5
Length and clutch size information comes from a variety of sources, but primarily from Shine (1991) and Cogger (2000).
Description Distribution Natural history Conservation Further information More photos

Description

Very slender; grey-brown to brown above with little pattern on the body. No dark band across nape; face and throat adorned with dark streaks and blotches; dark comma-shaped streak extends from eye to mouth.

Similar species

Unique amongst Demansia in possessing a series of dark spots down the mid-line of the anterior ventral scales, and an absence or near absence of bars in front of or behind the eyes.1

Scale count information


Dorsal scales at midbody   15
Ventrals   160 to 210 with a divided anal scale
Subcaudals   65 to 105 and are divided
Other scale information   Midbody scales are smooth.
Danger rating   Venomous. Should be treated with caution, especially large specimens.
Note: even a bite from a 'virtually harmless' or non-venomous reptile can result in serious complications. Play it safe and don't get bitten by anything.
Notes and disclaimer
This information may not be complete. While all care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this page, primary sources should always be consulted for definitive information. Animals have an endearing habit of disobeying the rules, so the information on this page should be interpreted with a degree of flexibility.
The author and site operator accepts no responsibility for any losses or damages incurred through using this web site or the information contained herein. Don't get bitten by anything!
This page may be cited as:
  Demansia olivacea at the Australian Reptile Online Database. Last updated 2018-05-14 21:49:12.
  Retrieved from http://arod.com.au/arod/?species=Demansia+olivacea on the 29th of March, 2024.
Before citing information contained in AROD, please read our Citing AROD page.

Copyright notice
This page, its content and layout are copyright © 2007-2024 Stewart Macdonald / Ug Media, unless otherwise stated.
All photographs in The Australian Reptile Online Database are © the photographer and may not be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the photographer.
No part of The Australian Reptile Online Database may be reproduced without written permission from Stewart Macdonald.
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